Over 7500 students from the 326 professional high schools in the country participate in internships in a real work environment under the project for "Student Practical Trainings - Phase 1", financed under the Science and Education for Smart Growth Operational Programme. There are 2249 employers and 380 training companies in areas such as computer and communication technology, electronics and optical products, information technologies, construction, etc., informed the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Denitsa Sacheva at a press conference at the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).

It is expected that during the summer, another 500 students, who have been trained as restaurant and hotel employees, will begin their practical trainings. Internships have a duration of 240 hours, scheduled during the school year or during the holidays. Young people spend an average of 2 hours a day in companies and enterprises. After successfully completing the practices, they receive a scholarship of BGN 300.

Deputy Minister Sacheva emphasised that the project is a priority for the Ministry of Education (MES) because of the emphasis on vocational education. "Students should have greater access to production processes and real job positions. 2000 of the participants are trained in priority sectors for the economy of the country", she stated.

Project BG05M2OP001-2.006-0001 "SCHOOL PRACTICAL TRAININGS" - PHASE 1 has a budget of BGN 6 986 236 and is co-financed by the European Social Fund through Science and Education for Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020.